Since the 1960s, a distinctive multi-spired tower and former hotel—part of a fuel dock once owned by Phillips 66—has defined a stretch of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterfront as an iconic, if quirky, skyline landmark. In January 2025, with the opening of a new resort at the heart of a $1 billion redevelopment, Pier Sixty-Six and its mid-century tower were transformed into a lively waterfront destination, reshaping the neighborhood just blocks from the beach. The 32-acre redevelopment includes a luxury resort and residences, multiple waterfront dining venues (with more slated to open throughout 2025), and a world-class mega-yacht marina that supports 164 deepwater slips for vessels up to 400 feet—befitting Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the “Yachting Capital of the World.”
Though the original Pier Sixty-Six was designated a historic landmark by the city and hosted decades of community events, the property had become dated and fell into disrepair before closing in 2019 for a comprehensive refurbishment.
The revitalization injects renewed energy into a city whose culture revolves around boating, socializing and soaking up the sun.
© Pier Sixty-Six
“When we first discovered that this special property was available, we knew there were incredible opportunities to leverage the collective experience of our teams and further establish this iconic hotel and marina as one of Fort Lauderdale’s defining destinations, while introducing a collection of residences to the development for the first time,” said Jessi Blakley, APR, vice president of Tavistock Group, the developer leading the project.
Top-tier architecture firms—including HKS Architects, NELSON Worldwide and Garcia Stromberg—were engaged to preserve the historical integrity of the original tower while realizing Tavistock Group’s subtropical, contemporary vision for the complex’s rebirth.
The tower’s angular silhouette, inspired by the Googie architecture movement of the 1940s, has been modernized but remains instantly recognizable. New waterfront structures echo coastal motifs such as coral formations and sand dunes. Pier Sixty-Six’s amenities now feature a 325-room luxury hotel with suites overlooking the waterways, a 15,000-square-foot spa, and 40,000 square feet of meeting space. The development also offers 91 private residences and a marina promenade lined with waterfront shops. Culinary options will eventually total around a dozen restaurants and bars; current offerings include Calusso, inspired by the French and Italian Rivieras; Sotogrande, a Mediterranean dining concept; and Garni, a bistro-style café with a Bloody Mary bar and live breakfast stations.
The centerpiece of the redevelopment is the restored rotating Pier Top lounge on the 17th floor—an observation deck offering 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, the residential finger islands and downtown Fort Lauderdale. Visitors can ascend to the deck for special occasions or to watch a Florida sunset while enjoying oysters, caviar and cocktails as mega-yachts glide by. Later this year the marina will welcome Pelican Landing, a restaurant positioned on the water where guests can arrive by boat.
“It’s become sort of like a city within a city,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “As Fort Lauderdale evolves into a luxury destination, this adds to our portfolio of upscale properties for visitors here on vacation or attending meetings.”
Scenic Drives
Lower your windows and enjoy Atlantic breezes as you drive north on A1A through some of Florida’s most storied coastal towns. Pause to watch surfers in Delray Beach or detour to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens for a traditional tea ceremony and world-class bonsai displays. In Lake Worth, take a peaceful stroll along the pier and watch anglers reel in their catch.
© Allouphoto | Dreamstime.com
Continuing north brings you to Palm Beach, an elegant coastal enclave where Mediterranean Revival mansions line the shore and Worth Avenue’s couture boutiques give way to secluded courtyard vias—quiet spaces with cafés and fountains that feel like hidden gardens.
For a contrasting natural experience, take a day trip to Everglades National Park. Heading south on Florida’s Turnpike toward Homestead and Florida City, the urban landscape gives way to wide agricultural expanses before you reach the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. From there, a scenic 38-mile drive southwest through swamps and coastal marshes leads to the park’s saltwater habitats at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo, offering a close-up look at the Everglades’ unique ecosystems.